Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Versus Active Controls in Improving Psychological Functions of Parents and Children With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Launched by THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY · Jun 16, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help improve the emotional well-being of both parents and their children who have Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). AIS is a condition where the spine curves abnormally during the teenage years. The researchers believe that by providing support to parents through ACT, it can also help their children feel better emotionally and manage their scoliosis more effectively. They are looking for parents aged 25 to 60 who care for children between 10 and 17 years old with a diagnosis of AIS. To be eligible, parents should show some signs of anxiety or depression and must live with their child in Hong Kong.

Participants in the study can expect to take part in group sessions where they will learn techniques to handle stress, anxiety, and improve their overall emotional health. The goal is to help both parents and children feel better, making it easier to cope with the challenges of living with AIS. It's important to note that this trial is currently recruiting participants, and both parents and children must be able to read and understand Chinese and have access to the internet for the program. If you think you might fit the criteria and are interested in improving your family's well-being, this could be a valuable opportunity.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria of 168 parent-child dyads:
• • 1. the parent/guardian (henceforth "parents") aged between 25 and 60 years who is mainly responsible for taking care of a child with AIS (including the scoliosis clinic follow-ups)
• • 2. the parent/guardian demonstrate at least mild anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder Scale scores \> 5) or mild depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire scores \> 5).
• • 3. the parent/guardian live with the index child aged between 10 and 17 years.
• • 4. the children have an orthopedist's diagnosis of AIS (Cobb angles of the major curve \> 10º).
• • 5. the children are managed conservatively or waiting for surgery scheduled more than six months later.
• • 6. both parents and children should reside in Hong Kong for at least another six months.
• • 7. both parents and children should be able to read/understand Chinese,
• • 8. both parents and children can be reachable via phone/email, and can access the Internet on their own computers, tablets, or smartphones.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. parents and/or children with psychological disorders or behavioral problems (e.g., attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) that require regular psychological/psychiatric interventions;
• • 2. children having undergone surgeries unrelated to AIS; or children with other types of scoliosis, or congenital diseases.